Durant claims national award

Posted: Monday, April 02, 2007

ATLANTA - Kevin Durant became the first freshman to be awarded the Naismith Trophy as college basketball's Men's Player of the Year Sunday.

The University of Texas swingman, who led the Big 12 in scoring, rebounds and blocked shots, was chosen by the Atlanta Tipoff Club's board of selectors, a group that includes basketball journalists, coaches and administrators. Fan voting also accounted for 25 percent of the selection for the third straight year.

The 6-foot-9 Durant was the only player to rank in the top 10 nationally in both scoring and rebounding. He was fourth in both with an average of 25.8 ppg. and 11.1 rpg. He was also second nationally with 20 double-doubles this season.

"Kevin has enjoyed an incredible season, not only with personal success but in how he helped elevate his team,'' said Gary Stokan, president of the Atlanta Tipoff Club. "To think he accomplished everything as a freshman is just all the more impressive.''

'Big Ball' package

Ohio State coach Thad Matta has a name for the package when Florida coach Billy Donovan wants to go huge across his front line.

Donovan will sometimes use 6-foot-11 Joakim Noah, 6-10 Al Horford and 6-9 Chris Richard on the floor at the same time, giving the Gators an NBA-like front line.

"Well, it's something that they use," Matta said. "I guess we call it the 'Big Ball' package. The thing that makes it so great is you've got two guys outside that can shoot the basketball as proficient as Lee Humphrey and Taurean Green. Those guys can all finish inside. They get great rebounding position when they do that."